What do these snap judgments and first impressions say about us?
Well...one thing it makes us is an enormous mob of people and media who find it absolutely incredible that Susan Boyle, a pudgy, homely woman, can sing well. The incredible part is not that she can sing a beautiful song, it is how amazed we are - and that is only because of her physical appearance...her outsides. What a sad statement about us!
Isn't it amazing that tens of millions of us are at a point where we think that talent only comes in "attractive packages." Should we be so surprised that homely, pudgy, weird looking people have talent, smarts, humor, character, love....all the things that people have inside.
Our entire Connecticut Forum, for 17 years, has been based on seeing beyond the labels, the outside appearance, the first impression, the fast judgment. Our Youth Forum is also about breaking through the labels and mis-impressions kids have of each other, and adults have of kids, to explore and discover the real person, the whole person, the "outsides and insides" of people through authentic connection and relationships.
Apparently we still have much work to do and we will keep working at it....day in and day out.
In the mean time as you go through the day, look for an unattractive stranger, at work, in a store, on the street... pause for a moment... say hello... if you are very brave ask a question... and see what happens from there. Enjoy the discovery.
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2 comments:
I made a similar comment to my husband yesterday when they had another "news" story about her.
Like we should be shocked and awed that she can sing so beautifully because - look at her! The whole thing really annoys me.
yes, i fail to see why it's all so incredible. i didn't even think she was that remarkable. if that same voice came out of someone younger, thinner, more made up, would anyone care?
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